Search results for the category: Government

March 30, 2015

Every 10 years, the White House Conference on Aging is held, and this year it will be held in Phoenix. The conference is held to promote and advance ideas to help improve the lives of older Americans. National AARP president Jeannine English and Nora Super, Executive Director, 2015 White House Conference on Aging, will discuss the conference and its goals.

March 18, 2015

The Phoenix City Council has approved a $32 Billion 35-year transportation plan that would expand light rail and bus service and make street improvements. The plan includes a tax increase that would have to be approved by voters. Activist Becky Fenger will discuss her opposition to the plan.

March 11, 2015

The federal government has given final approval to a 22-mile stretch of freeway in Phoenix known as the South Mountain Loop 202. Construction on the $1.9 Billion freeway will start next year, and could be completed by 2019. Timothy Tait of the Arizona Department of Transportation will tell us more.

March 5, 2015

Phoenix voters will get a chance to vote on a 35-year transportation plan for the city. Marty Shultz, vice-chair of the Citizens Committee on the Future of Phoenix Transportation will fill us in on the details.

February 24, 2015

An annual count of the homeless in the Phoenix area is being conducted. It’s part of a requirement to qualify for federal funding to help that population. It will be done by the Maricopa Association of Governments. Brande Mead of MAG will tell us more.

February 19, 2015

The “Spine” is a section of the Interstate 17/Interstate 10 corridor that carries almost half the traffic in the Phoenix area. Public input is being sought to make improvements to the Spine. Bob Hazlett, senior engineering project manager for the Maricopa Association of Governments and project manager for the Spine Study, will discuss the plans.

February 16, 2015

February 12, 2015

Ernest McFarland served as Arizona’s governor, chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, and as one of Arizona’s senators. A new memorial will be dedicated to him on Arizona’s Statehood Day February 14 at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza at the State Capitol. Hear from McFarland’s grandson, John D. Lewis, about his remarkable grandfather, and architect Don Ryden of Ryden Architects, Inc., who designed the new memorial.

February 10, 2015

It was confirmed today that Kayla Mueller, an Arizona aid worker kidnapped by ISIS, is dead. Dr. Paul Kinsinger, a clinical professor of business intelligence at the Thunderbird School of Management at Arizona State University, will discuss the dangers faced by aid workers in the Middle East.

January 19, 2015

The 50th anniversary of the three civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama is coming up. The marches led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dr. Matthew Whitaker, an Arizona State University foundation professor of history and founding director of ASU’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, will discuss the marches, along with retired Air Force Colonel and pilot Richard “Dick” Toliver, who was active in the civil rights community in Selma at the time of the marches.

January 1, 2015

After serving on the highest court in the land, former United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor continues her commitment to service with the O’Connor House, which seeks to help increase voting rates. Find out what she has to say about her efforts to increase voting.

December 17, 2014

Former Phoenix Mayor John Driggs’ legacy includes literally helping shape the city of Phoenix and preservation of open land. He recently passed away at the age of 87. Former Phoenix Mayor Terry Goddard will discuss Driggs’s life and legacy.

December 11, 2014

A new report by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council shows that 95 percent of those in Arizona prisons are repeat and/or violent offenders. Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, who is also a member of the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council, will discuss the report, along with David Euchner, the Appellate Unit supervisor of the Pima County Public Defender’s Office. He is also president of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the statewide organization of defense attorneys.

December 8, 2014

A new report shows that drug and alcohol use among Arizona’s eighth, tenth and twelfth graders is down over the past two years. The study by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission also shows that more teens are getting marijuana from those with a medical marijuana card. Andy LeFevre of the commission will discuss the report.

November 10, 2014

November 6, 2014

The Arizona State Supreme Court is holding a special hearing at the University of Arizona regarding a lawsuit challenging Arizona’s Medicaid expansion. Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services will provide a live report from Tucson.

October 28, 2014

Proposition 487 would reform the city of Phoenix’s pension system. We hear from a proponent of the measure, Phoenix city councilman Sal DiCiccio, one day after hearing Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton speak against the measure.

October 27, 2014

October 21, 2014

Now that a federal judge has ruled that Arizona’s ban against gay marriage is unconstitutional, more legal battles are left to fight for the LGBT community, such as in the area of adoption rights. Dan Barr, an attorney with Perkins Coie who recently represented a gay couple in a legal fight, will talk about the legal impact of the same-sex marriage ruling.

October 9, 2014

The United States Supreme Court’s new session started October 6. Arizona State University law professor Paul Bender will discuss the important cases before the court, including an Arizona case involving the drawing of congressional district maps.

October 2, 2014

The United States Supreme Court says it will take up a lawsuit that challenges the process used to draw maps for Arizona’s congressional districts. The question before the court is whether only the legislature can redraw the maps. Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services will discuss the case.

September 17, 2014

Plans are underway in Phoenix to expand light rail by 22 miles. The city is considering asking voters for an increase in the sales tax to pay for the expansion. Opposition is forming to the plan. Becky Fenger of No Tax for More Tracks will discuss why her group opposes light rail expansion.

September 15, 2014

A same-sex couple from Arizona was married in California before one of the two men died. A federal judge has given the survivor the rights to benefits from the deceased partner, even though Arizona does not recognize same-sex marriage. Dan Barr, an attorney who represented the couple, will talk about the case.

September 2, 2014

A court case in Europe has strengthened the right to online privacy, and those rules will apply to companies doing business in the European Union. Arizona State University professor Adriana Sanford of the W.P. Carey School of Business will discuss how EU data protection will affect U.S. companies and consumers.

August 19, 2014

After serving on the highest court in the land, former United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor continues her commitment to service with the O’Connor House, which seeks to help increase voting rates. Find out what she has to say about her efforts to increase voting.

August 18, 2014

The Maricopa County Juvenile Court System is streamlining the adoption process to make it quicker and more efficient. To do that, the court has created the Maricopa County Juvenile Court Adoption Unit. Judge Bradley Astrowsky of Maricopa County Juvenile Court will discuss the changes.

August 5, 2014

July 22, 2014

President Obama issued an executive order barring discrimination against LGBT employees working for the federal government and federal contractors. Jeff Brodin, a Phoenix labor law attorney, will discuss the order and what it means to LGBT employees in Arizona.

July 16, 2014

The Glendale city council voted to support a potential casino right next door. Previously, the council had been against the casino. Councilman Gary Sherwood discusses his change of mind that led to the council’s change on the issue.

July 10, 2014

In a two-day event at the State Capitol, Cox Communications and the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University will gather about 40 executive MBA students to learn about policy-making and budget decisions from some of the state’s top lawmakers, staff and advocates. The students, acting as lawmakers and advocates, will then pass their own budget in a mock legislative session. It’s an exercise to help students learn how business and the political process intersect. Gerry Keim, professor of management at the W. P. Carey School of Business at ASU, and Michelle Bolton, director of public affairs for Cox Communications, will discuss the event and concepts used by the students.

Both sides in a lawsuit over Arizona's gay marriage ban want a federal judge to decide the case himself without having to go to full trial. Associated Press reporter Bob Christie, who is covering the issue, will discuss the lawsuit.

July 2, 2014

The Civil Rights Act was enacted on July 2, 1964 and prohibits discrimination of all kinds based on race, color, religion, or national origin. It also provides the federal government with the powers to enforce desegregation. Civil rights activist Dr. Warren Stewart of the First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix and Matthew Whitaker, an Arizona State University Foundation professor of History, will discuss the law and its impact.

June 23, 2014

June 17, 2014

The State Transportation Board recently voted to move forward with Arizona’s Five-year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. The vote gives the go ahead to work on six major road projects in Pima County and four in Maricopa County. Scott Omer, Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Planning Division, will discuss the plans.

May 21, 2014

The Phoenix city council voted to pass a budget that closed a $37-million budget gap. One of the most controversial parts of the budget was a pay cut for employees. Dustin Gardiner, who has been covering the story for the Arizona Republic, tells us more about the budget.

May 19, 2014

The United States Supreme Court has already decided several big cases that deal with affirmative action, prayer at city council meetings and campaign contributions. Arizona State University law professor Paul Bender will review cases already decided and cases still pending before the court adjourns.

May 6, 2014

Nearly half of Arizona’s households are just one financial disaster away from falling into extreme poverty. For people of color, it’s nearly 70 percent. The latest Arizona Town Hall deals with what to do about the state’s vulnerable population, people who are on the brink of financial disaster, yet are not currently poor enough to be covered by our safety net. Two Town Hall participants, attorney J. Scott Rhodes and Catherine Chiang of Arizona Public Service Company, will discuss the report.

May 1, 2014

The Children’s Action Alliance is urging the legislature to pass funding for child care vouchers during an upcoming special session, saying the vouchers are a proven method to prevent child abuse. Dana Wolfe Naimark, President and CEO of the alliance, will talk about the issue.

April 24, 2014

The Arizona Department of Public Safety released its report on Arizona’s Child Protective Services and five CPS officials were fired afterwards. Charles Flanagan, the director of the Department of Child Services and Family Safety, will discuss the report.

April 22, 2014

One of Governor Jan Brewer’s first actions as governor was to impose a moratorium on new regulations. A new report is out on that issue. The Grand Canyon Institute’s report, “Why Arizona’s Regulatory Moratorium is Unnecessary,” reveals how moratoriums can lead to less public oversight and are not meeting the stated goal of creating more jobs. Grand Canyon Institute fellow Karen Smith, who wrote the report, will discuss her findings.

April 17, 2014

Did someone file taxes in your name without your knowledge? Identity theft is a big problem during the tax-filing season. Brian Watson of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and Arizona Department of Revenue Spokesman Anthony Forschino will discuss the issue.

April 14, 2014

The Maricopa Association of Governments has created several interactive maps that give a variety of key information for the Phoenix Metro area. Businesses and other groups can search individual areas to get information on land use, population density, percentage of minority groups, bikeways and much more. Anubhav Bagley, MAG Information Services Manager, will walk us through the map viewer.

April 8, 2014

The Committee to Protect Journalists and Bloomberg News will host a public forum at the Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication regarding attacks on journalism. One of the Panelists, former Washington Post Executive Editor and now ASU Professor Leonard Downie Jr., will talk about the attacks, which come from sources such as the Obama Administration’s war on leaks and NSA surveillance.

April 7, 2014

The Arizona Republic reports that spending by outside groups on congressional campaigns in Arizona has tripled since a controversial supreme court ruling on campaign financing. Rebekah Sanders of the Arizona Republic will talk about her report.

March 24, 2014

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and one of his top deputies were called into court for comments the deputy made about federal oversight of the department. JJ Hensley of the Arizona Republic will give us an update.

March 20, 2014

A federal judge ruled that Arizona and Kansas can require people to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote using a federal form. Both states sued the Federal Election Assistance Commission after the commission refused to add a state-mandated proof of citizenship on federal registration forms. Arizona State University law professor Paul Bender will talk about the case.

March 6, 2014

Patent Trolls are organizations or persons that sue to enforce patents, even though there is no intent or even capability of producing the product. Companies that are sued may settle cases they consider frivolous for hundreds of thousands of dollars, because defending against a case can cost much more. Attorney Brian LaCorte of Ballard Spahr in Phoenix will discuss the issue of patent trolls.

March 4, 2014

The City of Tempe has passed an ordinance that gives the LGBT community protection against discrimination. Tempe council members Corey Woods and Kolby Granville spearheaded the ordinance and will discuss it.

February 27, 2014

Although it was vetoed by Governor Brewer, Senate Bill 1062 created such a firestorm that it has impacted the state. Arizona State University pollster Bruce Merrill, economist Jim Rounds of Elliott D. Pollack and Company and consultant Marcus Dell’Artino of First Strategic will discuss the impacts.

February 24, 2014

Another controversial Arizona bill is making national and even international headlines. Senate Bill 1062 gives business owners protection from lawsuits when they deny service to anyone based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. Arizona State University Law Professor Zachary Kramer will sort out some of the legal issues regarding that bill.

February 6, 2014

A bill has been introduced that would authorize employees of the Arizona Department of Agriculture to kill endangered Mexican gray wolves that have been preying on livestock. Two other bills relating to that issue have been introduced. Sandy Bahr, chapter director of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club and Bas Aja, executive vice president of the Arizona Cattle Feeders' Association, will discuss the pros and cons of the bills.

February 5, 2014

The U.S Senate passed a new farm bill. The Agricultural Act of 2014 will provide farmers and ranchers certainty for the coming year. Arizona Farm Bureau president Kevin Rogers will talk about what the bill means to Arizona farmers.

February 3, 2014

The CARE Team, formed by Governor Jan Brewer to look into uninvestigated child abuse cases, has issued its report. The 50-page report reveals that understaffing and lack of training led to the uninvestigated cases. Charles Flanagan, director of the new Child Safety and Family Services agency and head of the CARE Team, will discuss the report.

January 30, 2014

President Obama’s State of the Union speech is expected to touch on his Affordable Care Act. Mayo Clinic CEO Dr. John Noseworthy will be a guest at the speech. Local Mayo Clinic CEO Dr. Wyatt Decker will appear on Arizona Horizon to talk about Dr. Noseworthy’s impressions of what was discussed by President Obama.

January 27, 2014

The PBS show “Independent Lens” has produced a film titled “The State of Arizona,” which takes a look at the controversy of Senate Bill 1070 in Arizona from all sides. Hear from those who lived through the SB1070 roller coaster ride as they reflect on the nearly four years that have passed since the bill was signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. State Senator Steve Gallardo, Republican Representative John Kavanagh and pollster Bruce Merrill discuss SB1070 and how it impacted our state.

January 8, 2014

Reporting by the Arizona Republic says Arizona’s congressional delegation is a microcosm of the problems with congress. It includes Tea Party Republicans, establishment members and moderate congressmen and women of both parties. Rebekah Sanders, who worked on the articles for a year, will talk about her reporting.

December 18, 2013

Valley communities will be better able to fight social isolation and strengthen the connections that older adults have, thanks to two new grants awarded to the Greater Phoenix Age-Friendly Network. The funding will help three pilot communities launch new programs to help older adults live independently. Amy St. Peter, the Maricopa Association of Governments Human Services manager, will talk about how the money will be used.

December 17, 2013

The state legislature’s Child Protective Oversight Committee heard from the director of the Department of Public Safety on its investigation on why child abuse cases were ignored. State Representative Debbie McCune Davis, who is a member of the oversight committee, talks about what was discussed at the meeting.

December 9, 2013

Governor Jan Brewer has created a team to provide oversight for the 6,000 child abuse cases not investigated by Child Protective Services. The Child Advocate Response Examination Team, or “CARE Team,” will also examine CPS to point out areas of concern. CARE Team chair and Director of the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, Charles Flanagan, and CARE Team member representative Kate Brophy McGee will talk about the organization and its goals.

December 4, 2013

The Arizona Division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is releasing its report on the Yarnell Hill Fire, which killed 19 firefighters. Jim Cross, who covers wildfires for KTAR radio, will discuss the report.

November 21, 2013

The 50th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination is November 22nd. His influence was felt in Arizona on the Central Arizona Project and in the political career of former Arizona Governor Raul Castro. Visiting Scholar in Legal History at the law firm of Snell & Wilmer Jack August, will discuss Kennedy’s Arizona connections.

November 6, 2013

October 30, 2013

Democrats in the state senate have ousted Minority Leader Leah Landrum Taylor and replaced her with Senator Anna Tovar as their leader. Arizona Capitol Times Reporter Luige del Puerto will discuss the situation.

October 17, 2013

President Obama has said there are no winners in the fight over the debt ceiling and government shutdown. However, the fight could impact upcoming elections. Arizona State University Pollster Bruce Merrill will talk about winners and losers from the drama in our nation’s capitol.

October 3, 2013

A federal judge has appointed a monitor to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to watch progress on efforts by the department to stop racial profiling. The judge also issued other orders for the department. Former Arizona U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton will discuss the case.

As the federal government shutdown continues, both political parties continue to blame each other. Arizona State University political science professor Richard Herrera will discuss the political fallout of the shutdown.

October 2, 2013

Arizona is already feeling the effects of the government shutdown. The Grand Canyon National Park is closed, and civilian workers have been furloughed at Luke Air Force Base. Arizona State University economist Dennis Hoffman and economist Jim Rounds of Elliott D. Pollack and Company will discuss the impacts of the shutdown on Arizona.

September 17, 2013

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton will talk about issues regarding the city in his monthly appearance on Arizona Horizon, including his recent trip to China to meet with leaders of 1,600 leading global companies.

September 4, 2013

Should the government play a role in economic development? That’s a question that will be discussed by Byron Schlomach of the Goldwater Institute, who will argue against government intervention in the economy, and Barry Broome of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, who will talk in favor of the concept.

August 22, 2013

Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne and Secretary of State Ken Bennett have filed suit in regards to Arizona’s proposition 200, which requires people registering to vote using a state form to prove their citizenship. The suit is an effort to get the federal government to have the same requirement on its voter registration forms.

August 15, 2013

The race to be Arizona’s next governor continues to heat up, with former GoDaddy executive Christine Jones announcing her intentions to run as a republican. Arizona State University Pollster Bruce Merrill will talk about the race.

July 17, 2013

Former Arizona governor Janet Napolitano has resigned as Secretary of Homeland Defense to take a post running California’s University System. Arizona State University pollster Bruce Merrill will talk about Napolitano’s latest career move.

June 27, 2013

May 13, 2013

The Department of Economic Security plans to reinvent the safety net system. The changes will emphasize how DES can help its clients and also reduce their dependency. Arizona DES Director Clarence Carter will discuss the changes.

In light of the recent bombing in Boston, we take a look at the status of homeland security in the Phoenix area. Grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have been reduced in recent years. Scott Krushak, the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Phoenix, and Mesa City Councilman Scott Somers, who is also a firefighter, will talk about the status of homeland security for the Valley.

April 29, 2013

Governor Jan Brewer’s plan to expand Medicaid is being met with resistance from Republican lawmakers. Failure to do anything could result in the loss of some current federal funding for Medicaid in the state. The Arizona Republic reporter Mary K. Reinhart will provide the details.

There will be a free screening of the Bill Moyers production, “The United States of ALEC,” sponsored by AFSCME, the Arizona public employees union. ALEC IS the American Legislative Exchange Council, and critics say it allows corporations to direct and produce legislation for state legislatures. Common Cause President and CEO Bob Edgar will introduce the film and present a new report on all ALEC-backed legislation introduced in Arizona this year.

March 18, 2013

March 4, 2013

The Phoenix City Council approved an ordinance banning discrimination against those from the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. Now that the ordinance is in place, city council member Tom Simplot will explain how it will be implemented.

February 27, 2013

February 12, 2013

If Hillary Clinton decides not to run for President in 2016, one candidate democrats might field would be former Arizona Governor and current Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Arizona State University Pollster Bruce Merrill will discuss the possibility.

February 7, 2013

President Obama has nominated Sally Jewell, CEO of outdoor apparel and equipment company Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), to be his next Interior Secretary. Sandy Bahr of the local chapter of the Sierra Club will talk about the nominee.

January 29, 2013

A look at recent successes within Arizona’s Adult Probation Program with Kathy Waters, director of the Division of Adult Probation Services for the Arizona Supreme Court. State Schools Chief John Huppenthal, the chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee who sponsored the probation-reform bill, gives his take on the issue.

January 28, 2013

January 14, 2013

Arizona Horizon presents an hour-long special featuring Governor Jan Brewer’s 2013 State of the State Address followed by political analysis of the speech and the upcoming legislative session with former state legislators Stan Barnes, the founder and president of Copper State Consulting Group, and former state senator David Schapira.

December 10, 2012

The Phoenix City Council recently voted to give City Manager David Cavazos a $78,000 pay increase. Arizona Republic Columnist Laurie Roberts explains why she thinks the 33% pay raise should be reconsidered.

November 27, 2012

Arizona Town Hall is meeting this week to formulate recommendations for improving civic leadership. One of the speakers at Town Hall is Mickey Edwards, a former Congressman from Oklahoma, who is the author of “The Parties Versus the People: How to Turn Republicans and Democrats into Americans”. Hear what Edwards has to say about politics and partisanship.

June 11, 2012

Former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano talks about his new book, The Campaign Within: A Mayor's Private Journey to Public Leadership. It’s a personal memoir of his private and public life as Tempe Mayor, during which he was forced to reveal he is gay.

The Justice Department has filed a federal civil lawsuit against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio seeking remedies for what it claims is a pattern of discrimination by the Sheriff’s Office against Latinos. JJ Hensley of the Arizona Republic talks about the lawsuit and dueling press conferences held earlier in the day by the Justice Department and the MCSO.

April 16, 2012

In recent months a startling number of Arizona’s elected officials have been the subject of ethics complaints and criminal investigations. Is this an unfortunate coincidence or a culture of corruption? We’ll examine the issue.

April 9, 2012

Fountain Hills resident Paul Ryan is asking state lawmakers to consider revising Arizona’s 100-year-old recall law that allows citizens to remove elected officials from office. He won support from Republicans and Democrats who are requesting that a committee be formed to revisit the law. Join Ryan, Senator Michele Reagan and Senator David Lujan as they explain why the recall law might need an update.

April 2, 2012

Representative Ruben Gallego wants to strengthen a House rule that requires lawmakers to abstain from voting on bills in which they have a personal financial interest. Representatives Gallego and John Kavanagh discuss the proposal.

Nick Dranias of the Goldwater Institute talks about his investigation of Arizona’s personnel system and how the Governor’s personnel reform proposal would address some of the issues highlighted in his report.

March 22, 2012

Former State lawmaker Richard Miranda resigned from the legislature in February citing health and family reasons. Since then, he has pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and tax evasion. Learn about the details of the story from Arizona Guardian reporter Dennis Welch.

March 20, 2012

Clarkdale Mayor Doug Von Gausig, who also serves as President of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny share their concerns about legislative actions that are impacting Arizona’s local governments.

On a party-line vote, the Arizona House of Representatives approved a bill (HB 2571) that reforms personnel rules that govern the hiring, firing and management of most state workers. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Justin Olson (R-Mesa) and Representative Bruce Wheeler (D-Tucson), who voted against the bill, debate the merits of the measure that is now under consideration in the State Senate.

February 21, 2012

The Valley’s 65 and over population is expected to double in size by the end of this decade. Find out what “MAG”, the Maricopa Association of Governments, is doing to help local governments determine how to best serve this growing population. Guests include MAG Human Services and Special Projects Manager Amy St. Peter, Carol Kratz of Piper Trust, and Michelle Dinisio, the President and CEO of Benevilla, a nonprofit that provides services to seniors.

February 13, 2012

Arizona State Lawmakers are considering several bills that limit the power of labor unions for public sector employees, including police and firefighters. The sponsor of the bills, Republican Senator Rick Murphy, and Democratic Senator David Lujan debate the legislation.

February 6, 2012

Not satisfied with the new political boundaries drawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission, House Speaker Andy Tobin has drawn his own congressional and legislative district maps that he wants voters to have an opportunity to approve. Speaker Tobin will speak about his alternative to the IRC maps.

December 1, 2011

Representative Debbie Lesko, Majority Whip of the Arizona House of Representatives and Arizona State Chairman for ALEC discusses the nonprofit organization that has had an influential role in shaping public policy in Arizona.

November 21, 2011

IRC attorney Mary O’Grady talks about the redistricting process and the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate Colleen Mathis as chairwoman of the IRC, after she was removed from office by the Governor with consent of the State Senate.

October 31, 2011

Voters created the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission to try to take politics out of the process of redrawing Arizona’s congressional and legislative district boundaries every ten years, but the latest round of redistricting is as political as ever. Hear what State Representatives Chad Campbell, leader of the House Democrats and John Kavanagh, a Republican from Fountain Hills, have to say about the redistricting process.

October 10, 2011

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission has approved a draft map of new congressional district boundaries. Arizona Republic columnist Bob Robb, and political consultant Barry Dill provide analysis of the preliminary map.

October 6, 2011

Ballots for the election to recall Senator Russell Pearce are already printed, and they include the name of candidate Olivia Cortes who has withdrawn from the race. Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell explains how the election will be conducted, and votes counted, now that Cortes is no longer a candidate in the legislative district 18 recall election.

September 6, 2011

August 29, 2011

Arizona established an Independent Redistricting Commission to try to take politics out of the process of redrawing Arizona’s legislative and congressional boundaries. Political consultants Stan Barnes of Copper State Consulting Group and Barry Dill of First Strategic Communications and Public Affairs talk about the reality of removing politics from the redistricting process.

August 24, 2011

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is in the process of redrawing legislative district maps. The process is supposed to circumvent politics, but it has not done that. Arizona State University political science professor Jennifer Steen will talk about the process.

August 16, 2011

Kimber Lanning, Director of Local First Arizona; David Roderique, President and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Partnership; and Robert Melikian, owner of Hotel San Carlos share their views about what’s happening, and what needs to happen, to revitalize downtown Phoenix.

July 20, 2011

The State of Arizona is on track to collect more tax revenues than projected when lawmakers passed the 2012 budget. State Senator Kyrsten Sinema
(D-Phoenix) and State Representative Justin Olson (R-Mesa) debate what the State should do with any extra money it collects.

July 14, 2011

Arizona Republic Columnist Doug MacEachern discusses the political battle between the mayor and town council of Quartzsite, Arizona that’s been in the national spotlight ever since a video of a woman being arrested at a Council meeting was posted to YouTube.

July 13, 2011

Do government revenues increase when taxes are cut? It’s a claim often made in congress and the state legislature. ASU Economists Dennis Hoffman Dean Robert Mittelstaedt from the W.P. Carey School of Business will discuss the issue.

An effort is underway to put an proposition on the 2012 general election ballot to create nonpartisan primary elections as a way to elect more mainstream candidates. ASU Political Science professor Jennifer Steen explains how similar systems have worked in other states.

July 6, 2011

The United States Supreme Court ruled that the matching funds provision of Arizona’s Clean Elections public campaign financing system is unconstitutional. That means publicly-funded candidates will no longer get extra public money to match spending by privately-financed candidates. Political analysts Bob Grossfeld of the Media Guys and Stan Barnes of Copper State Consulting Group talk about the decision will change Arizona’s political landscape.

June 27, 2011

June 2, 2011

What will it take for the upstart Tequila Party to become a political force to be reckoned with? Pollster Mike O’Neil discusses challenges facing this group that seeks to get out the Latino vote and champion issues such as immigration reform.

May 16, 2011

May 10, 2011

Arizona Republic reporters JJ Hensley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez provide an overview of what an investigation conducted by the Pinal County Sheriff’s office has revealed about operations at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

May 4, 2011

When Kirk Adams recently stepped down as Speaker of the House to make a run for Congress, lawmakers wasted little time in selecting a replacement. Meet the new Speaker, Andy Tobin a Republican from Paulden, Arizona.

May 2, 2011

The Arizona Competitive Districts Coalition has launched an online mapping tool and a redistricting competition that lets the public try its hand at redrawing Arizona’s political boundaries. Learn more about it from co-chairs of the Coalition, Roberta Voss and Ken Clark.

ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is hosting a conference that examines issues of economic development on Indian lands. Carl Artman, director of the College of Law’s Tribal Economic Development Program, and Diane Enos, president of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, discuss some of the issues that impact tribal land management and strategic development.

April 6, 2011

Amid reports that some state lawmakers accepted gifts from the Fiesta Bowl that were not reported on their financial disclosure statements, we learn about Arizona’s laws regarding gifts to lawmakers from Secretary of State Ken Bennett whose office maintains the financial reports of lawmakers and lobbyists.

February 24, 2011

Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission is getting set to redraw the state’s legislative and congressional districts. Learn about the process and the rules it must follow from Tony Sissons of Research Advisory Services, a local firm that specializes in redistricting.

February 3, 2011

State lawmakers have introduced a number of bills that would impact cities and towns in a variety of ways. Here to discuss what Arizona's local governments are facing is Ken Strobeck, Executive Director of League of AZ Cities and Towns.

January 10, 2011

On the opening day of the 50th Arizona Legislature, the Governor acknowledges the Tucson shootings by postponing her State of the State Address and replacing it with a speech reflective of the tragedy.

Before being elected to Congress, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords served in the Arizona State Legislature. Former State Senator Ken Cheuvront and Senator Linda Lopez, who served with Giffords at the State Capitol, talk about their colleague and close friend.

Before the November election, Rep. Giffords appeared on Horizon where she talked about the need for politicians to work together on contentious issues like immigration reform. Hear what she had to say followed by a discussion about convening a new state legislature in the shadow of the Tucson tragedy. Guests include: political consultant Stan Barnes, Secretary of State Ken Bennett and State Representative Steve Farley.

January 3, 2011

December 15, 2010

Longtime APS lobbyist Marty Shultz is retiring after 32 years. He’s been an influential player in Arizona’s policy arena for more than three decades. We’ll talk with Shultz about some of his greatest successes and most disappointing failures during his career as a business and community leader.

December 9, 2010

A 100 years ago on this date, leaders of the Arizona territories signed their newly drafted constitution. Ruth McGregor, of the Constitutional Convention Event Committee, talks about the history of Arizona's constitution.

December 7, 2010

November 15, 2010

In many political districts, the outcome is a foregone conclusion. It’s no accident. It’s the way the lines for the districts are drawn. Learn more about the once-a-decade process in a new documentary, “Gerrymandering.” Director Jeff Reichert will discuss his new film.

September 2, 2010

August 30, 2010

In the wake of a botched gun trafficking operation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Dennis Burke resigned from the office he held since 2009. Former U.S. Attorney Jose de Jesus Rivera discusses Burke’s resignation and the job he did as U.S. Attorney.

June 28, 2010

Today it functions mainly as a museum, but an effort is underway to put the original Arizona State Capitol building back into legislative service. Former Phoenix Mayor and Chairman of the Arizona Capitol Centennial Committe John Driggs and Phoenix Architect Don Ryden discuss the planning process that was recently approved by Legislative Council.

June 21, 2010

May 17, 2010

Amtrak is looking to increase service to southern Arizona. It coincides with a move to try and get rail service between Phoenix and Tucson. Sean Holstege, an Arizona Republic reporter, talks about the developments.

April 21, 2010

A debate on Proposition 100. It’s a measure on the May 18th special election ballot that would temporarily increase the state sales tax by one cent per dollar for three years. Representing “Yes on 100” is Marty Shultz, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, the parent company of APS. Representing the “No on 100” campaign is Don Goldwater, State Chairman of the PAChyderm Coalition, a Reagan Republican organization and advises legislators in the areas of economics, immigration and other campaign issues.

April 19, 2010

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed Rick Romley as Interim Maricopa County Attorney. Romley, who held that office for 16 years, replaces Andrew Thomas who resigned to run for State Attorney General. Romley discusses his new job and how he plans to approach it.

March 22, 2010

Voters will be deciding this May whether to increase the state sales tax by one-cent for three years. State Senator Thayer Verschoor of “Ax The Tax,” a group which opposes the increase, will discuss the proposal with John Wright of the Arizona Education Association, who supports the tax increase.

State lawmakers have voted to cut $310,000 from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arizona’s health care plan for the poor. John Rivers of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association will address the ramifications of the cuts.

March 4, 2010

March 3, 2010

Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett discusses the need for changes to Arizona’s campaign contribution laws in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows unlimited campaign contributions from corporations and labor unions.

February 15, 2010

January 26, 2010

The state legislature is considering bills that would reform Arizona’s voter protection law, which restricts the legislature from changing voter- approved laws beyond their original intent. Representatives John Kavanagh and Kyrsten Sinema will debate the proposed changes, which would give the legislature more leeway to change voter-approved laws.

January 21, 2010

ASU law professor Paul Bender discusses the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that supports a corporation’s First Amendment right to spend unlimited amounts of money to help elect or defeat candidates for public office.

January 11, 2010

A special hour-long HORIZON featuring Governor Jan Brewer’s State of the State Address in its entirety followed by commentary from political analyst Stan Barnes and former lawmaker and Pinal County Supervisor Pete Rios.

October 29, 2009

The State Land Department sells and leases State Trust Lands to raise money for public schools. Now, a new state law allows the Department to keep up to ten percent of those earnings to manage those lands. That’s illegal, according to the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest which is asking the Attorney General to stop those payments from continuing. Hear from former State Land Commissioner Mark Winkleman who helped establish the law and Arizona Education Association President John Wright who is supporting the legal challenge.

October 21, 2009

October 19, 2009

An investigative report from the Goldwater Institute has found that an airport hiring program meant to benefit minorities is instead being used by political insiders. Reporter Mark Flatten will talk about his findings.

August 13, 2009

As the State of Arizona faces a budget shortfall of more than $3 billion, lobbyists for dog and horse tracks are suggesting that Arizona can generate much needed revenue by allowing casino games at dog and horse racing tracks. But are “racinos” a good idea? Hear what Sheila Morago of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association has to say about the issue.

August 12, 2009

After decades with an office in the state Senate building, the Capitol Press Corps is being forced to move out of the Senate. Reporters talk about move, how it will change the way they cover the legislature, and what they’ll remember about reporting on state government from the Senate Press Room.

July 30, 2009

Arizona Capitol Times reporter Jim Small talks about the legislature’s latest budget breakdown. Governor Jan Brewer and Republican legislative leaders have agreed to a new budget plan, but they continue to struggle to find enough votes to pass it.

July 15, 2009

Arizona Capitol Times Reporter Jim Small discusses the latest revelations about SCA, an unregistered political committee that contributed more than $100,000 to the Arizona Republican Party during the 2008 election season.

July 8, 2009

The budget passed by state lawmakers at the last minute has been shot down in part by Governor Jan Brewer. House Minority Leader Representative David Lujan and House Majority Leader John McComish talk about efforts to come up with a new budget plan.

July 1, 2009

Federal stimulus dollars are providing a huge financial lift to a program that helps low income Arizonans save money on their utility bills while making their homes more energy efficient. We'll take a look at this program that saves energy, lowers utility bills, makes homes safer, and keeps people employed.

May 18, 2009

January 12, 2009

Governor Janet Napolitano gives her final State of the State address before leaving for Washington, D.C., to join the Obama administration as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. HORIZON presents the address in its entirety with reaction from lawmakers. Former lawmakers Stan Barnes and Pete Rios discuss the speech with host Ted Simons.